This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Calum MacDonald launches new £2m housing development in Kelso
05/01/1998
Scottish Office Housing Minister Calum MacDonald MP today marked the start of work on phase 2 of Eildon Housing Association's development at Bridge Street, Kelso. The total cost of the first two phases is estimated to be around £2.1 million and Scottish Homes has contributed to the cost with a grant of over £1.2 million.
The flats in the development will be allocated to those in need and will help local industries to attract key workers, either by direct allocation or through a vacancy chain created by moving council house tenants into the new development.
Mr MacDonald said:
"This project represents what a partnership approach to housing can do. The site has been made available through the involvement of Scottish Borders Enterprise. It also paid for the archaeological dig which was required as a condition of planning approval and in consideration of the historic importance of the site since it is opposite Kelso Abbey. I understand the development has been designed in close consultation with Scottish Borders Council and the local community.
"Apart from the substantial funds provided by Scottish Homes, the Bridge Street development has also attracted funding from the Bradbury Foundation which is a Hong Kong based organisation offering grants for social housing.
"Once completed, I am sure that the homes provided by Eildon Housing Association at Bridge Street will demonstrate a high quality of design, contribute to the regeneration of Kelso and meet recognised housing need in the area."
BACKGROUND
1. The Bridge Street development is a 62-unit scheme to be developed in three phases by Eildon Housing Association and local builder, M&J Ballantyne.
2. Phase 1 is due for completion in December 1998 and will provide 31 units, including one wheelchair designed flat and a number of barrier-free flats at ground floor level. Phase 2, to be completed in November 1999, will contain 11 shared ownership flats, and Phase 3 will be completed without subsidy by M&J Ballantyne and sold on the open market.
3. The development, designed in consultation with Scottish Borders Council and the local community, lies in a conservation area and the buildings have been designed using traditional materials to relate to existing street patterns. Designed by Cameron Associates, of Galashiels, the scheme will make a significant contribution to the housing needs and redevelopment of Kelso.